Striking and Chic Gothic Wall Decor Ideas

Not all gothic wall decor will make your home look like a haunted house. Depending on which style you favor, from Victorian Gothic wall decor to Gothic horror wall decor, your home can feature a variety of Gothic looks.

Striking and Chic Gothic Wall Decor Ideas

According to the experts in home style from Lick, the Gothic look is much more than just dark and moody decor, it is wide-ranging and easy to combine with other styles. So, blend Gothic style wall decor with a more modern style or go full steam ahead with the historic Gothic look, either can be amazing.


What is Gothic Wall Decor?

Gothic wall decor is used to refer to wall decorations that exhibit a style from the historical period known as Gothic. Gothic refers to a time in Europe from the 12th-16th century. It was a style of architecture and art that developed from the Romanesque period.

This new style embraced vaulted ceilings, arches, intricate stained glass, and delicate tracework. This type of Gothic wall decor would include pointed arch decorative windows and mirrors, tapestries, stained glass, metal work, and statuary.

The Victorians revived this style which came to be called Neo-Gothic. The Victorians loved all these same elements from the Gothic period, but they also had a fascination with the macabre. Included with the wall decor of iron work and stained glass, there was also the presence of animal likeness in the form of taxidermy, dried flowers, rich fabrics, and intricate moldings.


Does Gothic Have to Mean Creepy
Outrageous Interiors

Does Gothic Have to Mean Creepy?

Gothic decor and style is not something that you just pull out around Halloween. Gothic, in the most true sense of the word, is anything relating to the historic Gothic and Neo-Gothic periods. This includes motifs and designs that were used in this period like rich and dramatic colors, luxury fabrics, lancet style windows, intricate metal work, use of stained glass, and decorative lighting.

The Victorians did have a fascination with death. Many of the Victorians loved ghost stories and believed they could communicate with the dead This led to the more dark elements featured in some Gothic decor. You can either choose to feature this style or not. There are such great options out there for Gothic decor, that there are choices that will work for many types of home designs.


Gothic Wall Decor Buying Guide

Whether you are looking to go “all-in” with Gothic style or just to dabble around the edges, we have rounded up some gorgeous Gothic wall decor that will work for you.


Gothic Wall Art

Gothic Wall Art

This printable wall art from Darkling Aesthetics is the ideal DIY Gothic wall decor. These pieces have a classy rather than a kitschy look that is more subtle than some of the horror Gothic wall art that you can find, but it still has a dark Victoria edge.

Gothic Wall Art 2

If you are interested in a lighter Victorian Gothic look try this set of printable wall art from KIKIANDNIM. It still supports a Gothic style but it also could work for Cottagecore home decor as well.


Gothic Wall Art 3

This last picture from ikiikishop is one large canvas picture. It marries the dark side of Gothic with the Victorian Gothic look creating a striking focal point.


Gothic Mirror Wall Decor

Gothic Mirror Wall Decor

Use a mirror to create the look of a delicate Gothic window. Choose an elaborate design like this striking Primrose mirror from Anthopologie if you want to heighten the look of drama in your home. The gold version of this mirror comes in four sizes. It is available in other colors such as black and verdigris for an aged look.

Gothic Mirror Wall Decor 2

This next Gothic arch wall decor mirror from Baxton Studios has a more simple but also delicate style. It features a metal frame that overlays the mirror. It has an antique silver finish.


Gothic Window Wall Decor

Gothic Window Wall Decor

Lancet windows with delicate tracery and stained glass are one of the most common features of Gothic architecture. Get this look for your own home using Gothic window wall decor. Windows like these from PD Home & Garden are manufactured with a pointed arch and intricate openings. They have a whitewashed appearance which gives them an aged appearance.

Gothic Window Wall Decor 2

You can also find vintage windows with stained or leaded glass to hang in your modern windows to catch and reflect the sunlight. Find options like this one from Richcann on Etsy.


Gothic Style Wall Sconces

Gothic Style Wall Sconces

Layer your lighting and add ambience to your room with candle wall sconces. These black iron wall sconces from Michaels look like medieval Gothic wall decor. They feature a fleur-de-lis top with a glass sconce to protect the candle from drafts.

Gothic Style Wall Sconces 2

Medieval churches were one of the places where Gothic architecture was most on display. These Gothic style wall sconces from TimberWizards would be right at home in one of those Gothic churches. They are made from reclaimed wood. The beeswax finish gives them a deep and textured glow.


Gothic Wallpaper

The Victorians loved wallpaper and used it for every change they could get. Creating a Gothic look with wallpaper is an easy proposition. Use either rich tapestry style wallpaper or modern dark Gothic wallpaper for a distinct look.

Gothic Wallpaper

This wallpaper from Spoonflower creates a superb balance between historic and modern Gothic style. This paper has the same coloring and shape structure as some of the historic Neo-Gothic style wallpapers. But if you look a bit closer, it is clear that it is a modern design.

Gothic Wallpaper 2

If you want a more traditional Victorian Gothic style, choose a rich damask like this pattern from WallAplus.


Gothic Wall Clocks

Gothic Wall Clocks

Wall clocks are a way to add Gothic wall decor that is understated. This Gothic wall clock from WolfKult looks like the rose window in famous Gothic cathedrals. It has a 16” diameter and a thickness of 1”.

Gothic Wall Clocks 2

This Gothic wall clock from SolPixieDust features a two dimensional crow design. This clock is a fun way to add the look of taxidermy to your home without the actual feathers.

Metalwork

Metalwork

You can find metalwork in an array of various styles from Gothic cross wall decor to gargoyles. This death’s head moth metal wall decor from DurinMetalWorks works well with minimalist Gothic style.

Metalwork 2

If you want some more practical Gothic wall decor, consider a monogrammed sign for outside your home. This choice from BlingPlating features a decorative Gothic design that can be personalized for your family.


Sculptural Wall Features

Sculptural Wall Features

Add some more overt Gothic wall decor with sculptural features like animal skulls and other faux taxidermy. We love this faux deer skull from NearAndDeer. This faux head is made from resin and paint. It has a weight of 5lbs and is 19” tall, 20.75” wide, and 13” deep.

Sculptural Wall Features

The Victorians were crazy about naturalistic pursuits including bug and butterfly collections. These reproductions from MegBlohm feature bug replicas placed on stained wooden mounts. One featured on the wall is charming, a whole set would make a dramatic display.

Gothic Tapestries

Gothic Tapestries

Tapestries make stunning wall hangings in Gothic style rooms. Scour antique stores for a vintage tapestry or just buy a reproduction. This forest scene tapestry ticks all the Gothic decor boxes including an intricate design and beautiful jewel tones.


Tips for Creating a Gothic Look

Gothic style is not just about dark and macabre style, it is about the historical time period that featured particular architectural elements. Here are ways that you can create the perfect backdrop for your Gothic wall decor.

  1. Dramatic and Rich Color Scheme – Creating a Gothic look is easier when you nail the color scheme. You don’t have to go all black to create the ideal Gothic look. Instead, use a rich and dramatic color scheme using deep and nuanced tones with greens, purples, blues, gray, brown, and reds. Add in contrast with whites and ivories for a more modern Gothic look.
  2. Use Luxurious Fabrics – Victorian Gothic style, in particular, is associated with the use of luxurious fabrics like silk, satin, and velvets as these were common luxury fabrics of the time. Use these fabrics for curtains and drapes, furniture upholstery, and throws to give your home some added elegance and drama.
  3. Layer Lighting – Gothic style is all about high drama, so use your lighting to add more texture and nuance to your room. Add gorgeous crystal chandeliers, stained glass lamps, or delicate wall sconces to balance the ambient lighting in the room. Don’t forget to include candles to light the odd corner or desk.
  4. Vintage and Antique Furniture – Embrace all things vintage from the gilded framed mirror to the tufted sofa. Not every piece needs to be an antique, but well-placed antique furniture gives you the elegant look that is so perfect for Gothic style home design. If Neo-Gothic Victorian furniture fits your vibe, look for these items at antique stores near you and online at stores like Chairish and 1stDibs. Also, look at Etsy to find some great deals on antique pieces from independent sellers. Make sure to look at the listed dates to make sure that you are buying authentic antique pieces rather than reproductions.